Central European Times

Central European Times

Electric cars overtake diesel in Romania

Electric cars overtake diesel in Romania

Electric and hybrid cars are gaining ground in Romania, as the segment represented over 20% of all new cars sold in the country in the first four months of 2023, digi24.ro reports, citing data from the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers (APIA). Sales of electric cars have consequently

Polish auto industry posts record numbers

Polish auto industry posts record numbers

2 min read Poland, automotive

The Polish automotive industry grew by over 21.5% last year to hit an all-time high of EUR 39.7bn, Gazeta Wyborcza reported, citing analytics company AutomotiveSuppliers.pl. This is not only the result of an improved economy, but also inflation, the Polish daily wrote. The automotive industry remains a

Economist becomes Slovakia's first Hungarian-minority PM

Economist becomes Slovakia's first Hungarian-minority PM

2 min read Economy, Slovakia, Odor

Former Slovak Central Bank (NBS) deputy governor Ludovit Odor was sworn in as the country’s interim prime minister this week. Odor’s appointment ended six months of political limbo, and he is expected to lead his 15-member caretaker cabinet until national elections are held on 30 September. Watershed moment

Romania loosens surplus tax on OMV Petrom

Romania loosens surplus tax on OMV Petrom

2 min read Romania, Ciuca, Iohannis, oil

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis promulgated the revised law that lays down a “solidarity contribution” from the “excessive profits” of energy companies, on Friday 12 May. The new provisions were much softened compared to the initial version, which was deemed “unconstitutional” by a furious OMV Petrom, the Romanian integrated oil company

Falling energy prices hit MOL's Q1 figures

Falling energy prices hit MOL's Q1 figures

Sharply falling energy prices are good news for the population and almost all market segments and the population alike, but large energy companies can be less happy, Hungarian business website Portfolio reported. The explains the price falls as due to an “exceptionally mild” winter and European’s successful decoupling from

Czech govt unveils austerity package

Czech govt unveils austerity package

The Czech government announced “Czechia in Shape”, a new tax package to reduce the state budget deficit on Thursday 11 May. The package, designed to cut debt by CZK 94bn (EUR 4bn) in 2024 and CZK 150bn in 2025, includes a range of measures such as raising the pension age

Czechia, Hungary, Estonia top for employment in CEE - Eurostat report

Czechia, Hungary, Estonia top for employment in CEE - Eurostat report

Estonia had the highest employment rate in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) of 81.9% in 2022, according to the recently released data of the EU statistics agency Eurostat. Just behind the Baltic country were Czechia, with 81.3%, and Hungary (80.2%). The middle grouping of the EU member